Liquid level gauge



Oct. 19, 1943. E. H. KOCHER 2,331,917

LIQUID LEVEL GAUGE Filed July 1s, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 8 25 16 k 50 y PI: 63 I q 15 A 3 6553 24 10 1 4 18 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS Oct. 19,, 1943. H.KOCHER LIQUID LEVEL GAUGE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 r i h l 7 \k =====E=|E======ga Q: I

Filed July 16, 1940 hHa al ;Ew 7

INVENTORY Edwardlilfoc/zh ATTORNEYS Patented Oct. 19, 1943 LIQUID LEVELGAUGE Edward H. Kocher, Boonton, N. 1., assignor to Auto ResearchCorporation, a corporation of Delaware Application July 16, 1940, SerialNo. 345,709

9 Claims.

The present invention relates to oil window constructions and itparticularly relates to window constructions which may conveniently bepositioned in the side walls of reservoirs utilized in and aboutmachinery to supply lubrication to a centralized lubricating system.

It is among the objects of the present invention to provide and includean improved oil window assembly which may be readily fitted into a wallor socket in the side wall of an independent or integral reservoirconstruction, and which will require minimum of handling and work by theworkman or customer who makes the assemblage.

Still further objects and advantages will appear from the more detaileddescription set forth below, it being understood, however, that thismore detailed description is given by way of illustration, since variouschanges therein may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention.

In accomplishing the above objects, it has been found most satisfactoryto provide a ring-like holder member designed to be press-fitted into asocket or recess inside of a reservoir. This ring member may receive orframe a transparent panel, preferably of a synthetic plastic materialresistant to oil, as for example, a synthetic transparent phenolformaldehyde resin or a urea formaldehyde resin.

The same ring may also hold or frame a backing member, for example, of acontrasting color so as to clearly show the oil level, and mostdesirably of aluminum.

In the drawings, which illustrate one of the various embodiments of thepresent invention but to which the invention is by no means specificallylimited,

Fig. 1 is a side section view of a reservoir including a small pump,together with one of the oil windows in position upon the line I I, ofFig. 2;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view from the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an exploded or separated side perspective view upon anenlarged scale as compared to Figs. 1 and 2, showing the elements of theoil window before assembly;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary side sectional view similar to Fig. 1, of analternative oil window assembly inserted in the side of the reservoir;

Figs. 5, 6, and 7 are respectively side sectional views of alternativeoil window assemblies in the side of a reservoir construction;

Fig. 8 is a side perspective View of the tool which may be utilized forinserting the oil window assemblies in position.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the reservoir It) may be made of castaluminum or iron and may constitute a separate unit for part of amachine to be provided with a centralized lubricating system.

The reservoir lil may be mounted by the tapped sockets H, and it isprovided with a cover l2 having the dome I3 with the removable coverplate I4.

The pump P has a body or cylinder member IS, a reciprocating piston 16,an inlet filter l7 and an outlet connection "3. The pump body I5 issuspended by the bracket [9, which is held in position by the nut 29screwed upon the upper threaded portion 2| of th pump body.

The outlet connection l8 continues in the tube 24 which leads to theoutlet nipple 25 on the cover l2 (see Fig. 2), and is provided with anoutlet coupling connection 26 to the tubing 21.

The side of the dome [3, which is of square or rectangular shape, isprovided with a bearing for the shaft 28. The shaft 28 receives the eye29 of arm 3| pinned in position at 30. The forward end 32 of the arm 3|takes the form of a clevis which fits around the sleeve 33 on thereduced diameter portion 34 of the piston [6 which projects above thecylinder or body member I5.

The outer end of the shaft 28 carries the lever 35 with the finger pressportion 36.

The stroke of the piston l6 and reciprocation of the lever 35 isdetermined by the adjustable screw member 38 which has a threaded shank39 held in adjusted position by the nut 40. The threaded shank 39extends through a tapped opening (not shown) in the cover I2.

The cover of the reservoir is also provided with an opening 4| whichreceives the open cup member 42 having the snap cover 43 to enablefilling of the reservoir 10.

The lever 35 is normally biased in the direction 44 by the spring 45(see Fig. 1).

This pump and reservoir construction which is more fully covered inapplication Serial No. 267,372, filed April 12, 1939, does not form theprimary part of the present invention.

The present invention, is particularly directed to the window assemblageA, and may be used with other reservoir constructions, as for example,those described and illustrated in copending applications of Edward H.Kocher, Serial Nos. 745,187, filed August 24:, 1934:, issued as PatentNo. 2,229,095, granted January 21, 1941; 30,462, filed July 9, 1935,issued as Patent No.

2,229,096, granted January 21, 1941; and Patent No. 2,145,245, issuedJanuary 31, 1939.

The oil window assemblage to which the present invention is mostparticularly directed, con sists of a shell 5 a window 5|, preferably ofa transparent synthetic oil resistant plastic, such as Lucite, a gasketring 52 and a backing plate or cup 53 of a contrasting color material.The cup 53 has a. flange 5!, a rearward extending cylindrical portion 62and a base 63; The base 53 is perforated desirably by being providedwith openings 84 so that the lubricant may enter the space 65 betweenthe base 83 and the glass 5|. Cup 53 will show up the oil level and maybe made of aluminum or chromium plated steel, or

even of a white plastic material which is not transparent.

As shown best in Fig. 1, the side-5.4 of the-reservoir i is providedwith an opening 55 into which the face 55 of the ring 59 is designed tobepress The recessing 57 of the ring enables more ready insertion. of.the assemblage and the extension of the ring may be turned inwardly atlip or rim 5' of reduced thicknesstoforce the window iii the gasket52and, the cup53 against the shoulder fifl.

The ring 52. may be made of any compressible material, such asVellumoid, resinol, or neoprene which will be oilproof, and it will betightly come pressedbetween the flangefii of the cup.5,3 and the window5!. If desired, an additional gasket (not shown) like gasket 52, mayv beutilized between thewindowv 5! and. the shoulder 59.

The assemblage as shownupon 1 at A, i

may be made prior to, insertion in the opening 5.5,withor without thecup 5;, and. suchoil window assembliesmay be sold ready for, insertionin position The assemblage A is inexpensive, may be readily. forced inposition and by utilization of the contrasting color base portion 63..of the cup 53 gives immediate indication of" the oil level.

In the embodiment of. Figs. 1, 2 and13 (and in the embodiments of Figs.4, 5, 6'and 7 hereinafter, described") it will be seen that theperforatedbacking member in combination with the mounting ringconstitutes a perforated cup and that the, contained-elements includingthe window member and oneor more gaskets are clamped in position betweenthe baseof the cup and an inturned flange.

Inthe alternative construction shown in Fig. 4 (similarlyfunctioningparts being-indicated by the same numerals primed), the ring50 is threadedat its-face-5'6-"and is screwed into the tapped opening55"byapplication of a tool to the openings-.75; The: threads 55. and 56'may desirably be pipe threads: soas toassure arelativelylubricant-tight. connection.

In the embodiment of: Fig. 5. (similarly functionins parts: being;indicated. by. the. samenumerals provided withasuperior 3.)..the cup 53is formed integral. withthe;- rin 50?" n h gasket SE? is pressedbetween; the; edge ofthe window Si -and the offset; perimeter; portion14 of the base 63 of. the cupelement 53% Theinturned rim 8.0 of thecupclamps the gasket 8| against the -rim of the outer face ofwindow 51 Inthe embodiment of Fig; 6 (similarly functioning parts being: indicatedby the same numerais provided with the superior 4), the preassembledunit A may carry the exterior gasket l5.which encircles the reduceddiameter portion 7.6. of the ring 56.. The gasket 15. is. pressedagainst a shoulder H in the side wall of the reservoir by the flange 18which flange fits in the enlarged diameter portion 19 of the socket inthe side of the reservoir.

The press fit takes place in the construction of Fig. 6, along the face'15 and there is no press fit along the face 19.

The face of the ring 56 which may be polished, is flush with the sideofthe reservoir. It will be noted in the construction of Fig. 6; thatthe gasket 15, the ring 50 the gasket 52 and the cup 53 may all beassembled in one piece and handled as a single unit for assemblypurposes.

' To this end the rim of cup 53 abuts against a shoulder 65 in ring 50and the inner rim of said ring is turned overat 66 to clamp the cup 53in place.

In the embodiment of Fig. 7 (similarly functioning parts being indicatedby the same numerals provided with the superior 5), the press fit heretakes along the. outer socket face 19 with the gasket I5 being pressed,against the shoulder-H The ring 58 may be made of brass with; a polishedface which will be flush with the wall of the. reservoir.

It will be noted. in both embodiments of Figs. 6 and '7, the entireassembly is madeliquid. tight in, respectof the reservoir. by a pressfitand a gasket and 55 while the windows 51 and 5.4 are'made lubricanttight by theintericr gaskets 52 and 52 respectively.

These window, assemblies may vary in size from 1, tozinchesandpreferably are of either 1 or. 1 'inches.in size with awindowopeningofabout 1. toli s. inches. The metal, rings may be made of.aluminumbrass or. iron, the latter if used being preferably chromiumplated.

In the embodiment of Fig. 6, it is, possible to ream the hole 16 for thepressfit right through the wall of. the reservoir. whilethe outer flangeT6 and gasketl5' are in a clearance pocket 19.

Intheembodimentof Fig. 7', the press fit is located at. 79 on theoutside of the gasket 1.5 which isv a little harder, to hold to sizethan if thereamedhole goes straight to the inner wall ofithereseryoir asin Fig. 6.

The tool, as indicated in dot and dash lines in Fig 6'and'in perspectivein Fig. 8, has a hexagonal' or octagonal handle member I30 with theconical end portion llil, to which a hammer may bega pplied. It also hasthe hood 32 which has a face I63; to be pressed against the outer faceof the'side wall 54. The projecting portion N14 is designed to fitinside of the ring-50. The face I03 will press the ring 50 into positionso that it will'be flushwith the exterior face of the wall 54.

It will be understood that many changes could be made in the particularfeatures of oil window construction as shown, and many apparently widelydifferent embodiments of this invention could-be made without departingfrom the scope of the claims and it is intended that all mattercontainedin the above description or shown in the accompanying drawingsshall be interpreted asillustrative andnot in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. As a preassembled oil window construction, a cup structure having aperforated base, a cylindrical side wall and presenting an inturned rimatits forward face and formed on. its exterior periphery, so asto befitted in oil tight fashion in anopening in the, side wall, of areservoir, the entire thickness of said window assembly beingsubstantially accommodatedwithin the thickness of saidside -walland; aplurality of elements accommodated within said cup structure andincluding a window member and a gasket ring of diameter equal to themaximum inner diameter of said cup structure and peripherally engagingthe side wall thereof and collectively engaging and clamped in placebetween the perforated base and the inturned rim of the cup structure.

2. As a preassembled oil window construction, a mounting ring formed onits exterior periphery so as to be fitted in oil tight fashion in anopening in the side wall of an oil reservoir, the entire thickness ofsaid window assembly being substantially accommodated within thethickness of said side wall, said ring being interiorly shouldered andrecessed, a plurality of elements each with an outer rim engaged by andaccommodated Within said recessed and shouldered portion of the mountingring and including a Window member and a perforated backing memberdefining an oil chamber therebetween, and within said mounting ring,said ring having an integral extension lip clamped against that elementaccommodated within said ring which is contiguous to said lip.

3. A preassembled oil window construction for insertion in the sidewalls of lubricant-containing reservoirs, comprising a cylindrical ringmember, a window member of diameter equal to the maximum inner diameterof said ring member and which is encompassed and engaged by said ringmember, said window member being constructed of a transparent, oilresistant synthetic plastic material, and a perforated rear cup memberof diameter equal to that of said window member and extending acrosssaid window member for purposes of enhanced visibility of the oil level,said ring member, window member and cup member being formed as a unitaryassemblage and being clamped together by an inturned, integral, reducedthickness rim from one side of said ring member.

4. A preassembled disk-shaped oil window construction comprising, amounting ring formed on its exterior periphery to be fitted in oil tightfashion in an opening in the side wall of an oil reservoir, the entirethickness of said window construction being substantially accommodatedwithin the thickness of said side wall, said ring having an inturnedflange at its forward portion, a window member within said ring andagainst said flange, a gasket member against said window member, aperforated backing plate against said gasket member, said ring having anintegral rim turned inward over said backing plate.

5. The combination recited in claim 4 in which the backing plate isdished, the main inner area thereof being spaced from said window by atleast the distance between said window and said inwardly turned rim.

6. A preassembled disk-shaped oil window construction comprising amounting ring formed to be fitted at its periphery in oil tight fashionin an opening in the side wall of an oil reservoir, the entire thicknessof said window construction being substantially accommodated within thethickness of said side wall, saidring having an inturned flange near itsforward portion, a window member against said flange, a gasket againstsaid window member, a perforated backing plate against said gasket, saidring having a shoulder accommodating the rim of said plate, the rearedge of said ring being turned inward over said plate to maintain theparts assembled.

7. A preassembled disk shaped oil window construction comprising amounting ring formed to be fitted at its periphery in oil tight fashionin an opening in the side wall of an oil tight reservoir, the entirethickness of said window construction being substantially accommodatedwithin the thickness of said side wall, said ring having an out-turnedflange at its forward face, a gasket encircling said ring and adapted tobe compressed against a corresponding shoulder in said opening in theside wall of an oil reservoir, said ring having an inturned flange nearits forward face, a window member within said ring against said flange,a gasket within said ring against said window member, a perforatedbacking plate within said ring against said gasket, the rear edge ofsaid ring being turned inward over said backing plate.

8. A preassembled disk-shaped oil window construction comprising aunitary perforated mounting cup formed for its entire exterior peripheryto be fitted in oil tight fashion in an opening in the side wall of anoil reservoir, a window member within said cup, gasket means within saidcup associated with said window, the base of said cup being at the innerface of said oil reservoir, the rim of said cup at the outer face ofsaid reservoir being turned over to assemble the contained partstherewith.

9. In an oil window construction to be inserted in oil tight fashion inan opening in the side wall of an oil reservoir, a ring formed on itsexterior periphery so as to be fitted in oil tight fashion in saidopening, said ring having an integral extension lip of reduced thicknessfrom one side thereof and being interiorly shouldered and recessed, anda window member, a gasket ring and a perforated backing cup fitted intoand clamped into said recessed and shouldered portion of the ring byinturning of said lip.

EDWARD H. KOCHER.

